I was watching some kids playing at the lake where I was staying on summer vacation. A whole group of little kids spent an entire afternoon running down this dock and jumping into the water . . . cannonballs, dives, in pairs, some even with their eyes closed! And all the time, laughing, and giggling, and just being kids. It did my heart good.

When they left, I walked to the edge of the dock. It moved and swayed under my weight. The waves lapped at the wooden edge, beckoning me in. I looked down . . . into the deep . . . I think I glimpsed Loch Ness! It was dark, and scary, and I couldn't see the bottom.

What if there were rocks? What was hiding under there, waiting to consume me? Would I survive?

Maybe I could just put my toes in . . . get used to the water . . . gently slip in, a little at a time . . .

But then I remembered all those kids . . . laughing, and trusting.

"Trust in the Lord, and not in your own understanding."

I could hear the Lord calling me: "Trust in me when the seas are stormy in your life.

Trust in me when life is dark and worrisome. Trust in me when you can't see the bottom . . . when you're afraid. Trust in me . . . you will not drown. I will teach you to walk on the stormy waters, as long as you hold my hand and keep your eyes fixed on me. Trust in me. Do not be afraid. I am with you. I went to the Cross for you. Don't you think I love you enough to be with you in the stormy times of your life?

"Now and always. I am with you."

So I closed my eyes. I jumped . . . and like those little kids, I giggled and laughed and trusted.

And I found myself falling into Love's embrace. And that made all the difference . . .